Part of our comprehensive guide
The Complete Guide to Sugar Alternatives: Everything You Need to Know →Hummingbird Cake with Jaca
A showstopping Southern classic loaded with mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts — all sweetened with Jaca (allulose) instead of conventional sugar. Topped with a luscious cream cheese-style frosting and more walnuts, this is a Jaca-adjusted healthier version of the beloved hummingbird cake.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups Jaca (allulose) (replaces 2 cups sugar at 2x ratio)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (8 oz can)
- 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 large bananas)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for frosting)
Sweetener Used
4 cups Jaca (allulose) Allulose
Replaces: 2 cups sugar
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 4 cups Jaca (allulose), salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- 3
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, canola oil, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract.
- 4
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- 5
Fold in the undrained crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and 1 cup chopped walnuts.
- 6
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans.
- 7
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 8
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- 9
Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar gradually, beating on low, then increase speed until light and creamy. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- 10
Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the assembled cake. Sprinkle the top with extra chopped walnuts.
- 11
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the frosting set.
- 12
This is a Jaca-adjusted healthier version of classic Hummingbird Cake — all the tropical banana-pineapple flavor and warm spice without the conventional sugar.
Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas — the more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Do not drain the crushed pineapple. The juice adds essential moisture that makes this cake incredibly tender.
- Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before making the frosting for the smoothest texture.
- This cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge.
- Jaca (allulose) keeps the batter moist and tender without the blood sugar spike of conventional sugar.